KwaZulu-Natal Policeman Arrested for Assault After Girlfriend Cries Foul on Social Media
- A Hammarsdale police officer accused of beating up his girlfriend has been arrested on a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
- The victim said KZN SAPS initially refused to open a case against her boyfriend, who is stationed at the Hammarsdale police station in Mpumalanga
- Many netizens fear for the woman's life as they don't believe the officer's arrest will protect the victim.
Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered police investigations and current affairs in radio for over 15 years. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email zingisa.chirwa@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.
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HAMMARSDALE - A 39-year-old Mpumalanga police officer, accused of assaulting his girlfriend, has been arrested by KZN police.
Policeman assaults girlfriend
The SAPS member was nabbed after the alleged victim posted images of her badly beaten face on Facebook.
The officer, who works at the Mpumalanga Police Station, reportedly attacked the woman along Mthoko Mkhize Main Road in Hammarsdale on Sunday, 31 March 2024.
According to The Witness, the officer is facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
GBV victim blocked from opening a case
According to IOL, the 29-year-old woman was prevented from opening a case against the police officer.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the SAPS launched a probe into the station's refusal to open a case.
“Internal processes will be instituted and responsible officers will be subjected to appropriate departmental steps.”
Netizens fear for victim’s life
Many South Africans are not convinced that the officer’s arrest will protect the victim.
Edward Munyai said:
“But they will give her full protection? What will happen when that police officer bails him out? Police always fail to protect the victim, especially women.”
CertifiedEcoTourismDoyenne stated:
“Inkinga he may be granted bail and guess what…”
Tusero commented:
“It seems to date and marry a policeman is a death sentence in this country.”
Matlogedi fears for the victim:
“I fear for her safety if umsolwa [the accused] gets bail, he may go after her.”
Kanyisa Ndlamla asked:
“What was the reason for such brutality?”
In related Briefly News, the SAPS arrested a Metro Police officer after he allegedly murdered his girlfriend.
The officer allegedly recorded himself stabbing his girlfriend, who was also a Metro officer, and posted the video on social media. He was expected to appear in court on 2 April 2024.
Source: Briefly News
